Relief, Slow Down For Fast-Acting by Anna Cooke I
t’s hard to believe, but Florida still has some places that have been left rela- tively untouched by over-reaching
construction, and the traffic and noise that comes with progress. Steinhatchee Landing Resort is located on the Gulf Coast, about 70 miles west of Gainesville, 85 miles south of Tallahassee, and about 200 miles north of Tampa. Situated on the Steinhatchee River, a black water river, the resort is surrounded by 35 acres of lush, natural habitat. The river itself begins in Lafayette County rising from Mallory Swamp, located south of Mayo. It flows approximately 35 miles then into the Gulf of Mexico. The river’s black tint comes from the tannins it picks up from decay- ing vegetation as it flows south. Two of the area’s most popular restaurants have excellent riverfront views on their dog- friendly dining decks. We were able to take in a couple of the most gorgeous unobstructed sunsets we’ve ever seen. The Steinhatchee River supports
commercial and sports fishing, and recre- ational scalloping along the coast, during season. Which is why we like to visit more off-season. There is less of a crowd and more of the locals. It is also an area known for hunting, so during season you’ll find a lot of camouflage, tricked out pick-up trucks and hunting dogs. Early-risers will hear the distant faint barking and howling of excited hunting dogs before the sun comes up. If fresh air and the otherwise bucolic
sounds of Mother Nature are what you’re craving, Steinhatchee Landing Resort is still one of Florida’s hidden gems. Take a short hike up the road in the shade of an old pine forest, and you’ll discover one of Florida’s rare waterfalls. On the resort itself, there are 23
Victorian, Florida Cracker and Georgian architectural style cottages with all the modern amenities and comforts of a luxury resort. Eight of the cottages are pet-friendly. When we visited in early November, every cottage on our little dirt road had one to two dogs staying with their humans. As we exchanged pleasantries, everyone commented on how happy they were to have discovered Steinhatchee Landing Resort. We met someone who was visiting for the first time and several others who make the trip several times a year. There is a boat dock on the property,
a 55-foot swimming pool, a petting zoo, tennis, basketball and shuffleboard courts. Canoe or kayak the river or take a bike ride. Or just hang out on your cottage’s screened-in porch overlooking a stream, and enjoy a good book. There’s nothing like reading in complete silence. Steinhatchee Landing Resort is the
place we return to time and again to revitalize and recharge. We’re so happy that the new owners have continued to preserve this slice of Old Florida paradise. A note to the bride-to-be: If you’re
looking for the perfect spot for an elegant wedding, dripping with Southern charm, this is the place. Choose to have an outdoor wedding under the gazebo, or indoors in the on-site chapel which fea- tures 12-foot tall stained glass windows, high vaulted ceilings, antique wooden pews, and great acoustics. The resort has an on-site wedding coordinator who will aptly assist with every detail – from cater- ing and entertainment, to reception and photography. There are plenty of rooms to accommodate friends and family. It would be a lovely spot for a family reunion, or to renew wedding vows.
U 20 THE NEW BARKER
www.TheNewBarker.com
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